Hi, my name is Sage Rivera and I’m a 23 year old trans woman living in Philadelphia. I need help and don’t know what else to do.

I recently moved to Philly in August from. New Jersey and this is the first time in my life that I’ve had a space that feels safe and that is truly mine. A space that I can be myself and feel comfortable in, but I’m behind on rent and if I can’t come up with $850 by October 13 (this Monday), I’ll be facing eviction and I have nowhere else to go.

I grew up in a really unsafe home surrounded by drug abuse and trauma. I went into foster care as a teenager and was later adopted, but after coming out as trans I lost that family too. Losing parental support as a young adult is terrifying and debilitating. I can’t call on my parents when things fall apart. I have no emotional or financial support from them.

Right now I’m struggling with Crohn’s disease, anxiety, and depression and I’ve been trying to get my new health insurance activated so I can see doctors again and restart my medication, but it’s been taking weeks and I still have not received medication for my disability, mental health, and transition. I’ve been applying to jobs nonstop, but my body and mental health are completely drained.

My boyfriend has been one of my biggest emotional supports through all of this, but right now he is taking care of his mother and that means I’m handling this situation on my own and doing everything I can to stay housed.

I also have my cat Venus with me and I love her so much. The thought of losing my apartment and not being able to keep her breaks my heart.

Being trans in this country especially now is mentally exhausting and physically scary. Once I leave my apartment I’m scared for my safety. I have been trying to stay safe, find work, and pay my bills but everything is piling up. I’ve never had an apartment before and I’m just trying to survive. I’ve been struggling immensely with my depression and suicidal ideations and I’ve been doing my best to hold everything together, but I can’t do this alone anymore. I don’t want to be homeless or dead. I’m scared. I’m just asking for help to get through the next couple of months so I don’t end up on the street.

Here’s what I’m trying to cover right now:

• $850 for October rent (due October 13)

• $950 for November rent

• $300 for my phone bill (past due + next month)

• $349.03 for my light bill

• Food and supplies for Venus

My goal is $2,700 which would help me catch up on rent and bills, keep my home, and have a little time to get my health and stability back. It’ll also give me time to focus on job opportunities and secure something without the risk of losing housing.

I’ve never done a GoFundMe before and I feel embarrassed to ask for help and write this. I’m at my limit. I’ve run out of options, and I’m just trying to survive. Every dollar and every share helps more than you know.

Thank you for reading this and for seeing me. Anything helps.